Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1887-11-03

Published BY speetel Arr@gamsntl
CHAPTER xv.-CoSTINuED.
'Well, by graciousl this beats all the
rides ever l tookr' said Joe. as ten
minutes later. with Tad at his side, he
drove slowly toward Bixport, while the
detective followed close behind, with
his captive.
"Me. toor' returned Tad, who was
holding the recovered sachel very
tightly
won't folks eyes stick ont, though,
when they come to hear all about it,
tomorrow" and Tad replied that he
rather guessed so, and then, opening
his heart, he told his companion the
whole story, from beginning to end. at
which recital, as the stories say. Joe's
sstonishment can better be imagined
than described.
Bixport was in a wild state Of fer
ment when they arrived. The story Of
the robbery, with some marvellous en-
bellishments had spread ike wildhre.
A real criminal and an actual de-
tective in their midstl No one. after
this, would ever dare TO call Bixport
"a little, sleepy. one-horse town." such
having been the reproach once cast
upon it by a resident of Middleboro.
Leaving Joe explaining to the won
dering crowd that had assembled be-
fore Potter's, their joint share IN the
exciting incidents of the evening. Tad,
hugging the sachel under one arm,
while across the other was thrown the
circular cloak. hurried. with Joyous
steps, back to Miss Smiths.
Bursting impctuously into the sit
ting-room, where sat the little com
pany, TO which Mr. Mason, who had
gloomily returned from an unsuccess-
ful search for deputy sheriff, had
Joined himself, Tad tossed the long
lost sachel into the lap of Mr. Ather-
ton, thereby causing him to drop the
paper he had been perusing upside
down, and, with it, his digniied reserve
to such an extent that he eXclaimedi
"Gracious goodness" for which he al
once apologized, as his trembling
fingers applied the little key TO the
kep-hole; while Tad. with his politesi
bow, presented astonished Mrs Mason
with her recovered jewelry and the
fur-lined circular
"Ihe dress was all mud. and striddleo
from top TO bottom, or I'd brought
tlIat, too he added. as Mrs. Mason
with an exclamation of delight, re-
ceiyed her recovGcd property; while
her husband gazed at smiling Tad in g
dazed sort Of way, and whistled softly
to himself, as one whose feelings wcr,
too deep for adequate expression.
Tad, you're "a jewell said Mis-:
Smith, encrgetically; and very much
to Tad's astonishment, but 10 his secret
qualification, the maidon lady inv
printed a sounding kiss upon his blush
ing cheek. while Captain Flagg shool
bands with him vigorously, with 4
Puttered reference 10 chainin' up {
child in the way he'd ought to go
SOS when he's old lac won't go &
strayin' on. Polly said nothing II
words, but rejoicing sparklcd in he
eyes, and praise was apparent in he
Dcaming smiles With the list in on
hand Mr.. Atherton was rapidly run
ring over the contents Of the alligator
Ikin sachel.
Gold star pendant, solitaire drops
diamond ring, bracelet and papers
m-yes, every thing seems TO be here,
he said. with look Of intense salts
faction, as, dropping the list into tn,
mouth Of the bag. which he carefully
relockod, the dignified gentleman re-
garded the company with something
iike affablity.
'kegarding tho matter of-er-re
ward, continued Mr. Atherton, draw
Ing bulky nole-case from his pocket
and glancing benignantly at Tad. VIII
stood in awkward silence, while al
present looked ON expectantly. II fee
pleased 10 be able 10 bestOw It upon ?,
--a-worthy a-er-youth as the on
10 whom il rightly belongs" selectin,
as he spoke some crisp bank-notes fron
their receptacle, and placing them OF
the light stand ''and, with a gracious
inclination of his head 10 Miss Smith
IL may venture 10 prophesy that, II IA,
hccds the teachings Of the cstimabl,
lady whose acquaintance ] have beer
fortunate enough 10 make in this uncx
pectod manner, he win eventually ris
to--er--a position of-of-it may b
Presidential honor-who knowsPr
And satisfied that he had said abou
tho correct thing, Mr.. Athertol
gathered ap his belongings, and, re
rognizlng the remainder Of the inter
ceiod party by q comprehensive bow
took his departure for the hotel witt
great inward cxultatlon; and as he lei
early on tho following morning, n
thus passes out Of my story.
CHAPTER XVI
The FlaRgy, Ia a high state Of pleas